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Backflow Prevention

Protecting the Queenstown Lakes District’s drinking water supply is a shared responsibility. 

Backflow prevention is an essential part of keeping our communities safe and ensuring our public water network remains safe from contamination. 

About backflow

Backflow occurs when water flows in reverse from a private property into the public drinking water network. This can happen when:

  • Pressure drops in the public water main (for example during a burst pipe, firefighting, or high demand), creating suction.
  • A private property system has higher pressure than the public supply, forcing water back into the network.

If this water contains contaminants, it can pose a serious public health risk. 

Why backflow prevention matters

Industrial and commercial properties connected to the public water supply must have appropriate backflow protection installed and maintained.

Under the Water Services Act 2021, the Building Act 2004, QLDC’s Backflow Prevention Policy, and the Integrated Three Waters Bylaw, Council must protect the drinking water supply from contamination.

Backflow prevention works to:

  • Protect public health
  • Support compliance with national legislation
  • Reduce district-wide contamination risks
  • Help maintain confidence in our drinking water 

Your responsibilities

If your industrial or commercial property is connected to the public water supply, you must:

  • Ensure appropriate backflow protection is installed
  • Arrange annual testing and maintenance by an approved Independent Qualified Person (IQP)
  • Ensure testing results are submitted through QLDC’s digital register.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining their devices and keeping them compliant. 

Digital backflow register

We're creating a digital backflow register and online portal to improve visibility and streamline compliance across the district.

Using the register, you'll be able to: 

  • View backflow device information on Council’s Geographic Information System (GIS) 

  • Submit testing and maintenance records (via approved electronic forms) 

  • Track compliance history 

  • Access guidance and supporting documents

The digital register will provide us with the ability to efficiently track compliance, audit regularly, and follow up non-compliance with responsible parties.

Click here to access the digital backflow register

Arranging testing

Annual testing helps ensure continued access to safe drinking water and supports district-wide compliance.

You can: 

  • Engage an approved IQP directly to test your device, or 

  • Submit a request through Council’s online form to be included in co-ordinated or bulk testing programmes (where available).

We're committed to making backflow testing easy and affordable. To support property owners, bulk pricing and coordinated testing opportunities will be available to help you meet annual compliance requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

We'll share forms here soon which you can use to request testing or submit records.

For complex enquiries, please email:

backflow@qldc.govt.nz   

Don’t have a backflow prevention device?

If you operate an industrial or commercial site and are unsure whether you have appropriate backflow protection installed, contact us immediately by emailing:

backflow@qldc.govt.nz

Council can: 

  • Confirm device requirements based on risk level 
  • Provide guidance on appropriate protection 
  • Advise on next steps to achieve compliance